Sargodha: (Parliament Times) University of Sargodha and WWF Pakistan launch joint research venture for the preservation of peacocks and migratory birds at Kallar Kahar Soon valley.
To protect the migratory birds the UoS and WWF Pakistan signed an MOU on August 17, 2017 wherein both the entities agreed to take concrete steps for conservation of nature, flora and fauna and rare species of birds and animals in the Soon Valley.
In continuation of the previous collaboration between various departments of UOS and WWF Pakistan in the domains of ECO-Management, Nature Conservation and Eco-Internship Program, the MOU was signed to launch new initiatives between the two organizations. The two organizations decided to launch an intensive and comprehensive program for the preservation and conservation of nature and initially a pilot project will be initiated immediately to study the near extinction of peacocks and migratory birds in the Kallar Kahar region of Soon Valley. In this regard, research groups from University of Sargodha will collaborate with the WWF Pakistan and a research centre will be established at an affiliated institution of UOS at Kallar kahar. The Vice Chancellor spoke on the occasion and told the participants that WWF Pakistan is contributing enormously in conserving species of birds, animals and plants. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and other organizations for fruitful and tangible research for the well being of society. “Urbanization and globalization have adversely been impacting the rare and endangered speciesâ€, he said. He also lamented that human beings have ruthlessly eliminated several species of animals and plants to satiate their appetite. He vowed to materialize the terms and conditions of MOU to be signed between UOS and WWF Pakistan for working collaboratively for the preservation and conservation of the natural life. In this regard he assured that his team will take concrete steps to produce fruitful results out of this collaboration. Addressing on the event, Mr. Hammad Naqi Khan the CEO of WWF Pakistan briefly shared the historical overview of WWF-Pakistan chapter. He said that Pakistan is blessed with huge natural resources. However, deforestation and other environmental dangers are devastating the ecosystem. The risks include high pace of urbanization, conversion of forest land to agricultural land at the cost of natural habitat of various animal and bird species. He also talked about myriad of challenges faced by WWF and stressed the need to work with the civil society for awareness-raising. He also focused on taking measures for doing research in this regard. He also stressed that we as a nation need to take stock of responsibilities towards our posterity for conserving nature. Mr. Khan committed to extend support and facilities to UOS in various domains and areas. Firstly, WWF Pakistan will provide research opportunities to the students of UOS to collect, compile and synthesize data and research on 35 active projects being run by WWF Pakistan in the areas of nature wildlife, water, marine, climate change and resource conservation. Secondly, WWF will provide funding in the shape of small grants for exceptionally innovative ideas to nature conservations through Small Grant Program of WWF. Thirdly, it will provide coordination in creating awareness among the masses through mutual activities including seminars, provision of materials, technical support, various activities like plantation campaign. WWF Pakistan will also enroll students of UOS in Youth Development Program of WWF Pakistan for training and orientation in nature conservation. Finally, as a concrete initiative, WWF Pakistan will mutually collaborate in the areas of migratory birds, hurreal and flora and fauna of ecologically important area of salt range particularly Soon Valley. Further, he offered the facilities of WWF available in Soon Valley particular at Khabeki Lake to be utilize by University of Sargodha which would include camping site, information center and fenced area to preserve natural flora, hydro center etc. WWF is working in Pakistan since 1970s and around 300 employees are engaged in carrying out the mission of conserving nature including environment, wildlife, water, marine resources, reduction in pollution and climate change adaptation.
